January 23, 2008

I just saw another post detailing one person’s thoughts on the 10 worst episodes of the Simpson’s series. Being that I’m a huge Simpson’s fan I thought I would take the time to comb over the ideas of Holytaco.com. There’s so many Simpson’s episodes to begin with, criticizing the series isn’t hard to do. But that’s not really the point. I’d say it’s more like picking out the episodes that didn’t resonate with the fans as much as other episodes.

Another problem with the sheer volume of episodes is that it becomes really hard to judge the series. You really need to know ALL the material before you can criticize it objectively. How many people can say they know every single episode inside and out? Yep, not even Matt Groening. So all criticisms have to be viewed with a certain skepticism.

That being said, let’s see what Holytaco considers the “least good” episodes to be:

10. Bonfire of the Manatees (Fall 2005).

Holytaco points out that this is another re-use of an older script. The Simpson’s is certainly guilty of ripping themselves off in small ways. Did I mention even Matt Groening can’t remember everything.

9. All Singing, All Dancing (Winter 1998).

Yes it’s a clip show, but honestly, “See my vest” had to be one of the series greatest original spoof songs. That being said, I don’t agree with this choice for worst episode.

8. The Great Louse Detective (Winter 2002).

This episode is a nod to both Kelsey Grammar (Sideshow Bob) and Frank Grimes (Homer’s enemy). In theory I do appreciate the realism of the Frank Grimes character shining a light on Homer, but I didn’t enjoy it too much the first time around.

7. Bart the Genius (Winter 1990).

I disagree with this choice for number 7 worst episode. In reality the series focus was more Bart-centric during this stage of the series. With that in mind, this episode accurately accomplished the goal of displaying Bart’s antics. Just because the show changed it’s focus in later seasons doesn’t make this episode worse.

6. Bart Mangled Banner (Spring 2004).

This patriotic episode definitely earned it’s spot on the list. I’m not going to say anymore about it other than I don’t like the way it plays. It is redeemable in theory though.

5. Bart to the Future (Spring 2000).

Future-vision episodes can be really fun (Lisa’s First Love). Bart’s future in this episode is just depressing. Being relegated to Ralph-duty for the remainder of your adult years is just awful. Not that we don’t want to see Ralph in some form. I agree with this choice of worst episode on the basis that the Simpson’s should shine a light on the world, but not in a depressing way. You should walk away from episodes feeling good.

4. Saddlesore Galactica (Winter 2000).

This is the infamous underground-land episode. As Holytaco points out Comic-book Guy goes out of his way to point out that this is in fact, the “worst episode…ever” Enough said.

3. The Principal and the Pauper (Fall 1997).

This is the Sommersby spoof. Man comes home from war, but the man is an impostor. In the episode’s commentary the production crew even point out that episodes are used to grow the characters in some way. In this episode all that growth is cast aside in the ending minutes. Primarily because the character of Skinner is so radically changed. Way too contrived and complex idea for an episode.

2. The Simpson’s Spin-off Showcase (Spring 1997).

Wow seems like a lot of ’97 episodes made the list. I disagree with this choice, I loved the Miami Vice spoof. The episode really needs to be viewed in the spirit with which it was intended to be viewed.

1. Stark Raving Dad (Fall 1991).

This is the guest appearance of Michael Jackson. Holy Taco put this on the list because of the Happy Birthday Lisa song. I can think of several of the previously listed episodes that are far worse than this episode. Plus, MJ didn’t go wacko until the mid-90s. His presence doesn’t really taint this episode that much.